Game 4: Spurs’ keys to victory

Keep LeBron in Cleveland mode: The Spurs’ handling of LeBron James in this Finals has been similar to their plan against him in the 2007 Finals against Cleveland. Build a wall in the paint, and dare The King to shoot jumpers. It was a bold strategy, considering James shot 56.5 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from 3-point range in the regular season, both career highs. But it has worked so far. In three games, James is 21 for 54 and has failed to top 20 points in three straight playoff games for the first time since the 2011 Finals. James guarantees to be better in Game 4. Whether he makes good on that guarantee remains to be seen.

Turn to Tim: With Tony Parker likely to be limited in some way with a strained hamstring, the natural inclination is to look for help among the All-Star point guard’s backups. The key to surviving any downtick in Parker’s production, however, lies with the player who has been with him the longest. Tim Duncan, a four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP, might have to be the star who carries the Spurs home. Duncan hasn’t been bad in the series — he has averaged a double-double and been a key component of the Spurs’ defensive effort — but he’ll probably have to pick up the scoring load if Parker is unable to provide it.

Respond to the response: Though Gregg Popovich expected his team to bounce back in some fashion after a 19-point loss in Game 2, there’s no way he could have predicted the 113-77 salvo in Game 3. Now it is Miami’s turn to respond to humiliation. Expect the Heat to bring a sense of desperation to Game 4, knowing another loss sets them up for a knockout blow. How the Spurs respond to the Heat’s energy will go a long way toward determining their fortunes.